Configuring 3500 switches

[adamsom]

Hi, I've got 3 3500 switches in a GigaStack loop configuration.(3 cables)

Now I've bought 2 new 3548s.

Can I disconnect the redundant loop safely, add the GigaStack cables for the new switches and configure them using the web Cluster Management interface, without causing any problems to connected PCs?

TIA

[adamsom]

just to add

Switches are a 3524XL and others are 3548XL.

One of the GigaStack port LEDS on the first switch (the 3524) is amber. Is this normal?

[adamsom]

Bump...

Anybody care to comment on this one???

[mlsommer]

Yes, when configuring GigaStack ports in a redundant loop it is normal to have one LED amber. This indicates which port has gone into spanning-tree blocking mode in order to prevent a bridging loop. Even if you enter the global config command "no spanning-tree" the GigaStack ports will still have spanning-tree enabled. Also note that when using both ports on a GigaStack GBIC they will operate at half-duplex.

[adamsom]

Thanks, interesting.

So if I had 5 switches and no redundancy then 2 of them could operate at full duplex? Do I really need the redundancy - I can't see many problems with the GBIC stuff.

Does it matter which cable I disconnect in order to 'insert' the 2 new switches? The reason I ask is because the amber connection is not the cable which is showing as the redundant link in the Cluster Manager sofware - slightly confusing...